GA08139

Assembly approves mental health policy, study on HIV/AIDs and updated resources on problem pregnancies

by Erin S. Cox-Holmes

SAN JOSE, June 27, 2008 — The Health Issues Committee, the last committee on the docket at the end of a very long, last full day of business on Friday, led the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in taking action on a variety of health-related overtures.

HIV/AIDS: Without debate the General Assembly voted to develop a comprehensive study on HIV/AIDS, calling for “compassionate action and prophetic witness regarding issues related to people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States and around the world.” The study will address in particular African-American and Latino populations in the United States that are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and underserved in education and treatment. Also to be addressed are new ways to collaborate with global partners in addressing the worldwide pandemic. A report is to be made to the 219th General Assembly (2010).

Resources on Problem Pregnancies: By a 72 percent vote, the General Assembly concurred with the committee’s recommendation to redevelop resource materials on reproductive options. The updated brochures are mandated “to reflect the full spectrum of biblical, theological, and pastoral counsel, while remaining consistent with the policy of the 1992 report of the Special Committee on Problem Pregnancies and Abortion and the 2006 policy on Late-Term Pregnancies and Abortion.”

Single-Payer Health Care System: The Assembly adopted a recommendation supporting national health care reform, calling for advocacy and education that pursues “the goal of obtaining legislation that enacts single-payer, universal national health insurance as the program that best responds to the moral imperative of the gospel.”

Serious Mental Illness: The Assembly adopted “Comfort My People: A Policy Statement on Serious Mental Illness” with a wide range of recommendations for advocacy, support, education and hospitality for those suffering from serious mental illness and their families.